Molecular events in expression of vasopressin and oxytocin and their cognate receptors.

This article focuses on some aspects of neuropeptide gene expression using as examples the hypothalamic hormones vasopressin and oxytocin. Their transcriptional and translational expressions as polyproteins have been outlined, including the analysis of the genetic defect in the expression of vasopressin by the Brattleboro gene. The interaction of neuropeptide hormones with their target organs is discussed. A molecular approach toward the identification of the respective neuropeptide hormone receptors is described.